Khaled Hosseini · 2003 · exile

Khaled Hosseinis 2003 debut, spanning three decades and two countries. Amir, the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, betrays his loyal friend Hassan in childhood and carries the guilt for a lifetime. War drives Amir and his father into exile, first to Pakistan and then to California, but a summons from an old friend eventually calls Amir back across the world to a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, on a dangerous journey of atonement to rescue Hassans son.

1. 1
   Kabul

   In the Kabul of the 1970s the boy Amir grows up in comfort with his servants son Hassan, until an act of cowardice divides them and the country falls into war.

2. 2
   Jalalabad

   When the Soviets come, Amir and his father Baba flee by night, hidden in a fuel truck, down toward Jalalabad and the border.

3. 3
   Peshawar

   Across into Pakistan and the refugee city of Peshawar, first stop on the road out of Afghanistan.

4. 4
   Fremont

   Father and son build a new life among the Afghan community of Fremont, California, in the shadow of the old country.

5. 5
   Peshawar

   Years later a call for help draws Amir back across the world to Peshawar, and the chance to atone.

6. 6
   Kabul

   Into Taliban-ruled Kabul, a ruined city, to find and rescue Hassans orphaned son Sohrab.

7. 7
   Islamabad

   Wounded and pursued, Amir carries the boy to Islamabad, and slowly wins his trust.

8. 8
   Fremont

   Home at last to California with Sohrab, seeking a way, at last, to be good again.